Page 59 of On Broken Wings

Ooooooooo

Evan

It’s early, earlier than I ever get up for unless I’m called in on a case. The sun was just starting to rise and the air had a chill to it. It was the perfect fall day. I grabbed a hoodie and pulled it on as I made my way downstairs. I was picking up Jenni and taking her to the gym. Today could either earn me major points or put me in the doghouse for good. I was taking a chance and hoping that she’d see my gesture as something out of love.

“Why are we here before the sun?” Jenni grumbled as we walked to the front door.

“You’ll see.” I chuckled as I punched a key code into the numeric lock.

“I’ve never been to this gym. Is it new, or something?” She glanced around. The lights weren’t on inside and I was starting to rethink my plan.

“It used to be something else and a friend bought the building. It’s only been open a few months.” I reached to my right and flipped the light switch on.

Bright lights began to come on one at a time, lighting up the large room. Mats were stacked on one side, a balance beam, uneven bars, and rings were off to the side and a floor area was right in the middle.

“Surprise?” I turned to face her. She looked shocked. “Was this a bad idea? I thought it would be fun.” I reached for her. “Is this ok?”

“I don’t know what to say. I haven’t done this in almost four years. I don’t even know if I can anymore.” Her eyes were wide as she wrapped her arms around her middle.

“We can go to a real gym if you want. I just thought you could have fun today.” I started to turn, but she grabbed my arm.

“Thank you.” She smiled. “I’m outta shape and don’t have the right clothes. I’m not sure how this will go.” She grimaced.

“No biggie.” I shrugged. “Show me what you got, Superstar.”

“I don’t know about that.” She laughed as she kicked off her shoes.

I watched in fascination as Jenni removed her t-shirt so she was only in her sports bra and shorts. She dipped her hands in a bucket of chalk off to the side and then marched over to the beam with determination plastered across her face. “Beam was my thing. Come over here in case I take a bad spill.”

I kicked my shoes off and shuffled after her. She placed her hands on the beam and hoisted herself up. I watched as she paced from one end to the other, reacquainting herself with the feel. “Here goes nothin’,” she muttered as she flung herself backwards into a walk over. She wobbled slightly as she stood up, but her face was covered in a huge smile.

“That was great.” I watched in amazement.

“That was terrible. Did you see that wobble? How about the fact that I only did one? I used to do three in a row,” she growled as she moved to the end. “You got your phone right?” She glanced at me. “I mean, in case we need to call an ambulance?”

“What are you going to do?” I started to rush over, but she held her hand up.

“Take back what I gave up.” She tossed out as she positioned herself at the end of the beam. She glanced back as she pointed one foot and balanced on the other. Then in quick succession, she flipped backwards much like the first time, but continued with three flips. When she reached the end of the beam, she dismounted and then turned to me with a victorious grin. “I can’t believe I did that.”

“I can’t believe you did that.” I rushed up to her and hugged her.

“That felt so good, but I’m tired. I need to get back in shape.” She sighed.

“We can come here whenever you want. I know the owner.” I winked at her.

“I’m too old to compete, but it does feel good. Wonder how the floor feels.” She nibbled her lip as she turned toward the giant blue mat in the center of the room. “This I don’t need a spotter for.” She took off in a run and did several fancy flips before coming to a stop in the far corner. She looked like a little kid. Her face was almost splitting in two she was smiling so much.

We stayed at the gym for most of the morning. It didn’t open to the public until noon. When coaches and students started trickling in, we grabbed our things and left. It was cold out, so I stopped at a local coffee shop to grab us coffees and pastries.

“Today was so much fun. Thank you for that,” Jenni mumbled around a bite of her strudel.

“You’re welcome. Why’d you stop anyway?” I finished off my coffee but waited for her answer.

“I didn’t plan to.” She sighed. “My boyfriend gave me a hard time about it when we were dating. He thought it took too much of my time and he wasn’t getting enough of it. I was young and stupid. I started cutting back on training, then I started dating Nate and you know what happened there.” She looked away.

“Well, I’m glad you found your wings again.” I wrapped one arm around her in a hug. “You were meant to fly, Jenni. Don’t ever think otherwise. You were born to soar high and I think you’re slowly finding your way back.”

“I think I am too.” She offered a half smile.

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